James G. Baker, Sr.

Jim would have agreed with Winston Churchill’s statement “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. Always generous with his time, whether it be for family or a stranger, he was always there to lend a hand. During his 35 years with the Masonville Fire Company he was often the first to arrive when the whistle blew. Even long after his own kids had grown, his weekends still revolved around coaching little league and football. And should his kids need anything, they merely needed to ask. From the days when he installed the swimming pool and basketball net in the backyard to when he would be there in a flash to oversee home improvements, there was never a time when he was unavailable. Even in the years after he left Mt. laurel for Florida, the boat he owned served more to entertain others than himself. One may be hard pressed to find a prouder grandparent. To ask Jim, his grandson, Logan, was Wayne Gretzky, Shaq and Joe DiMaggio wrapped into one. But when Jim had some time to spare, he could usually be found suffering with the Eagles and Phillies or fighting the one-armed bandits in Atlantic City.rn In 1951 Jim was fortunate enough to be set up on a blind date with a young woman named Elizabeth (nee Simpkins). By 1954 they’d begun their 55 year marriage. Their lives were blessed by their children James, Jr. (Susanne) of Williamstown and Susan Baker-Batsford (Eric) of Fl, and again by their grandson Logan Batsford. Jim is also survived by his brother John (Ruth) of Rancocas as well as many nieces and nephews. rn Come celebrate 79 generous years Wednesday 6-8:30 PM and Thursday from 10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will follow at 11. Interment BGWD Veteran’s Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Vitas Hospice 16800 NW 2nd Ave., Suite 400 N. Miami Beach, FL. 33169.rn